1960
Born in Nyamasheke
Born in Rwanda's Western Province and formed by the experience of family, community, and country.
Biographical snapshot
A vocation shaped by people and place.
The founder story is not ornamental. It explains why the mission returns to dignity, peace, accompaniment, and practical solidarity.
Sengayire Jean Baptiste was born on 22 December 1960 in Nyamasheke, in the Cyangugu area of Rwanda's Western Province. He is married to Valerie Mukankaka and they have seven children.
In 1968, his parents moved the family to Kigali for security reasons. Kigali became the place where he continued to live, work, and develop the mission's public witness.
Biographical snapshot
A vocation shaped by people and place.
The founder story is not ornamental. It explains why the mission returns to dignity, peace, accompaniment, and practical solidarity.
1968-1975
Schooling and relocation
After the family settled in Kigali, he completed primary education before continuing his studies in Goma and Butare.
1978-1989
Teaching and service
He taught in Nyamasheke and Mushaka, served with Caritas Rwanda in a refugee camp, and carried a desire to form people despite serious health challenges.
1990-2001
Formation and discernment
Franciscan postulancy at Nyinawimana and theological-pastoral formation in Fribourg deepened his response to social tension and the needs of the Church.
1992 onward
Mission becomes action
The movement developed a spiritual agency active in peacebuilding, reconciliation, poverty reduction, and environmental protection across the Great Lakes Region.
Praying was not enough for people; they could put their strengths together to fight humanity's main enemy, poverty.
Founder perspective
The founder's legacy is defined by peacebuilding, accompaniment, and dignity.
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Rwandan
Born in Nyamasheke in 1960, married to Valerie Mukankaka, and father of seven children.
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Kigali and community
The family moved to Kigali in 1968, placing the founder close to the social realities that shaped his public work.
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Build peace as a lived culture
The mission answers conflict, segregation, and social fracture with brotherhood, reconciliation, and faithful presence.
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Stay close to people and place
The founder's posture keeps dignity, families, neighborhoods, and practical needs in view.
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Protect dignity through accompaniment
Prayer becomes education, care, solidarity, and local action that helps people participate in community life.
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Recognize goodwill
The mission welcomes people of goodwill who want to serve peace, justice, and human flourishing.
The founder story becomes common work.
Discover the ministries, institutions, and public work that carry this founding intuition forward into peacebuilding, accompaniment, and durable community service.